Large political bodies in a State are dangerous through the strength which results from their coalition and the resistance which is born out of their interests." ii--That of the clergy, besides, is inherently bad,[2252] because "its system is in constant antagonism to the rights of man." An institution in which a vow of obedience is necessary is "incompatible" with the constitution.
Congregations "subject to independent chiefs are out of the social pale and incompatible with public spirit." As to the right of society over these, and also over the Church, this is not doubtful.

"Corporate bodies exist only through society, and, in destroying them, society merely takes back the life she has imparted to them." "They are simply instruments fabricated by the law.[2253] What does the workman do when the tool he works with no longer suits him?
He breaks or alters it."-- This primary sophism being admitted the conclusion is plain.

Since corporate bodies are abolished they no longer exist, and since they no longer exist, they cannot again become proprietors.
"Your aim was to destroy ecclesiastical orders,[2254] because their destruction was essential to the safety of the State.

If the clergy preserve their property, the clerical order is not destroyed: you necessarily leave it the right of assembling; you sanction its independence." In no case must ecclesiastics hold possessions.

"If they are proprietors they are independent, and if they are independent they will associate this independence with the exercise of their functions." The clergy, cost what it will, must be in the hands of the State, as simple functionaries and supported by its subsidies.